The City of Orange Beach works with state and federal agencies to address the many wildlife issues we face as a community surrounded by such an abundance of nature. As we grow, we want to ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to enjoy the wide variety of wildlife interactions we experience today. This requires a proactive approach and a diversified management program.

Please understand that working with wildlife requires appropriate training, equipment and permission. We have a limited number of trained and equipped staff so occasionally response after hours or on weekends can be delayed. Our staff will always make every effort to contact you by phone shortly after the issue is reported to collect more information and inform you of any possible action we plan to take. When it comes to wildlife there are times when the best course of action is no action at all.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Receive a Rehabilitation Permit in the State of Alabama

To receive a Rehabilitation Permit in the State of Alabama, visit the Outdoor Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Policies page.

Raising Wildlife Without a Permit - What Can Happen?

• It is against the law! When you raise a wild animal without a permit you are breaking the law. You yourself can get ticketed, fined or worse and the animal usually has to pay the ultimate price of being humanely euthanized.
• Zoonotic diseases, there are many diseases and parasites that wild animals can carry and pass to humans, and domestic pets - including rabies, which is fatal to any person or human that gets it and has no cure.
• Oftentimes people will attempt to raise wildlife after a little online research. While these resources can teach you the basics, there is much more to consider than what can be found on the internet.
• One of the main problems when non-permitted individuals raise wildlife is the animal oftentimes winds up imprinted. Which means it becomes accustomed to people, instead of keeping that natural fear of humans like wild animals are supposed to have. This is problematic for the animal as they don't learn how to behave like a wild animal, and don't have the skills to survive in the wild. It also can be very dangerous for humans as they associate people with getting their meals and could bite if food is not provided. These imprinted animals are not safe to release back into the wild.